New 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe Joins Lineup

Mercedes-AMG introduced the fastback crossover with a YouTube video this week. It’s a sportier, swoopy-looking crossover with added performance thanks to the AMG treatment. It’ll go head to head with BMW’s new X3 M40i and versions of the Porsche Macan among others.

The automaker’s performance division hopes it will appeal to new buyers, perhaps those looking for a middle ground between the normal production Mercedes model and the all-out AMG powerhouses that cost a pretty penny.

The GLC43 Coupe shares its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with its sibling Mercedes-AMG GLC43 crossover SUV. It’s good for 362-horses and 384 pound-feet of torque. It features comes with AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive along with an AMG-tweaked 9-speed automatic transmission. An active damping system keeps the GLC43 flat in corners and Mercedes claims its sporty driving dynamics can handle the off-road as well. The Coupe can hit zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with speed electronically limited to 130 mph.

Compared with the GLC43 SUV, the A-pillar features a flatter slope angle. The squat greenhouse blends in with the side of the vehicle to emphasize the coupe silhouette.

The GLC43 Coupe officially debuts at the Paris Motor Show this month and be available in the U.S. early next year. It’s expected to start in the mid-$50,000 ballpark.